Fantasy Tip: Burnett ($6,100, 12.2% of cap) is apparently tiring down the stretch, as he has failed to least more than 5 2/3 innings in each of his past four outings. He should be avoided in FantasyScore until he gets untracked.

Fantasy Tip: Burnett ($6,100, 12.2% of cap) was making his first start since July 30, and he actually settled down after allowing all three of his runs in the first inning. As long as he doesn't experience a setback before his next start, he should be safe to use at FantasyScore going forward.

Fantasy Tip: Burnett ($6,100, 12.2% of cap) is targeting a return during the mid-September series against the Chicago Cubs, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 15. He will be a risky option in all fantasy formats for his first game back, but could have a solid start or two over the final weeks to help your seasonal teams. You'll want to continue checking back for updates, and Burnett is worth stashing in all seasonal leagues.

Pittsburgh Pirates SP A.J. Burnett (elbow) threw approximately 70 pitches during a bullpen session Sunday, Aug. 30, and reportedly felt great. He is hoping to return to action during a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs in mid-September.

Fantasy Tip: Burnett ($6,100, 12.2% of cap) was 8-5 with a 3.06 ERA in 21 starts prior to landing on the disabled list. Owners in NL-only and deep mixed fantasy leagues should continue to stash him, if they can afford the roster space.

Pittsburgh Pirates SP A.J. Burnett (elbow) is slated to throw a three-inning simulated game Sunday, Aug. 30. The Pirates will not use Burnett out of the bullpen when he's healthy enough to return from the disabled list.

Fantasy Tip: The veteran Burnett ($6,100, 12.2% of cap) was starting to fade before his injury, and one has to wonder how much he'll have left in the tank when he returns in what is his final season. He'll surely be a risky commodity on FantasyScore for however many starts he has left in him this year, but play the matchups.

Pittsburgh Pirates SP A.J. Burnett (elbow) is scheduled to throw a 30-pitch simulated game Tuesday, Aug. 25, and he may throw more pitches than just his fastball.

Fantasy Tip: While it is encouraging news for Burnett ($6,100, 12.2% of cap) owners, the Pirates will be cautious with him, especially considering they're eyeing a deep playoff run. Burnett remains a viable stash option, but there isn't a guarantee he'll return and make a significant fantasy impact at the end of the season. Stay tuned for updates on Burnett's recovery and for an updated timetable.

Pittsburgh Pirates SP A.J. Burnett (elbow) said there was "no chance" that he'd have season-ending surgery after being diagnosed with a flexor strain in his right elbow Monday, Aug. 3. Burnett plans to retire after this season. Burnett is on the disabled list and is expected to miss four weeks.

Fantasy Tip: Don't feel compelled to hold Burnett if you're out of room in a shallow mixed league. He was already experiencing some serious regression to the mean from his first-half numbers, and he may struggle to return value once he returns. J.A. Happ ($5,100, 10.2% of cap) has taken Burnett's rotation spot for now, but he's a very shaky FantasyScore option.

Pittsburgh Pirates SP A.J. Burnett (elbow) will be sidelined for four weeks after he was diagnosed with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Burnett received a platelet-rich plasma injection Monday, Aug. 3.

Fantasy Tip: Burnett ($7,500, 15.0% of cap) could be able to return to the team at some point in September if he is able to recover from the injury. J.A. Happ ($5,100, 10.2% of cap) will take Burnett's spot in the rotation for the time being but is not a great option on FantasyScore.

Pittsburgh Pirates SP A.J. Burnett (elbow) is expected to meet with team doctors Monday, Aug. 3, in Pittsburgh. He believes that he has suffered an ulnar ligament injury or a flexor tendon injury and added that he does not want to undergo surgery in order to resume pitching.

Fantasy Tip: Burnett ($7,500, 15.0% of cap) may have thrown the last pitch of his major league career but seasonal fantasy owners should wait until the results of his doctor's visit have been revealed before dropping him. He is 8-5 with a 3.06 ERA through 21 starts this season.